Two fitness instructors from Havant have completed the IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz challenge and raised over £5000 for local charity, Stop Domestic Abuse. 

Three years ago, Leeanne Barber and Lisa Phipps decided to take on the ultimate challenge of completing a full IRONMAN, before Covid put paid to their plans. Their intensive training regime and fundraising efforts finally paid off, and in July they travelled to Spain and completed the challenge in under 12 hours. The event is a gruelling 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a Marathon. 

Leanne and Lisa chose to support Havant based charity, Stop Domestic Abuse through their epic challenge. The charity plans to build a new refuge for women and their children fleeing from domestic abuse. Through their Refuge Appeal, Stop Domestic Abuse has raised over £1 million with the support of the public, local businesses and community groups. Thanks to Leeanne, Lisa and many other generous supporters, the charity aims to build a dedicated refuge providing innovative support services to women and their children fleeing domestic abuse.  

A refuge offers a crucial and safe option for victims of domestic violence and abuse. But to be most effective, refuges need to offer more than just somewhere to stay. The charity aims to provide the supportive and nurturing environment needed to help victims recover from the trauma of domestic abuse. Specialist services and facilities will be provided to children staying in the refuge.  

Claire Lambon, Chief Executive, Stop Domestic Abuse, said,  

“Providing safe refuge has been at the core of our services since the organisation was established in 1977. We work with Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner to provide community and accommodation services to victims of domestic abuse. 

It has always been our dream to build our own refuge in Havant, so we can create a high quality facility where women and children can recover and move on to live lives free from abuse.  

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 children in Hampshire experience domestic abuse. It's now more important than ever to ensure there are specialist refuges to welcome women and their children who have made the incredibly hard decision to leave their home, friends, extended family and sometimes their job to find safety.” 

Leeanne Barber said,  

“This was such a tough challenge both physically and mentally. I’m delighted that we have successfully raised vital funds to help Stop Domestic Abuse build a new local, child centred, holistic refuge. Knowing we are helping women and children affected by domestic abuse has kept us motivated throughout our journey.” 

If you need support or advice, Stop Domestic Abuse offers a confidential support service to anyone affected by domestic abuse. Contact them on 0330 0533 630 or  by email at advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk.

Notes to Editors

Photos: Leeanne Barber and Lisa Phipps: on request